Reaction'Emotions came out' – Matip and Van Dijk react to late victory over Ajax
Joel Matip admitted emotions came flooding out following his late winner in the 2-1 victory over AFC Ajax, while Virgil van Dijk praised Liverpool's positive reaction.
Jürgen Klopp’s side claimed all three points in the Group A Champions League fixture at Anfield on Tuesday night thanks to Matip’s 89th-minute header.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the first half, though Mohammed Kudus quickly levelled for the Dutch visitors before the late strike.
Centre-backs Matip and Van Dijk spoke to BT Sport post-match. Read on for their thoughts…
Extended highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Ajax
- Want to watch this video? Subscribe to LFCTV GO now and you’ll also get first-team highlights and audio commentary, live Academy football, documentaries, boxsets and much more
Matip
On finally making the breakthrough late on…
We had a few opportunities before, so I was happy that I could score the goal. I wasn’t sure [it was in], to be honest, but when I saw the referee then the emotions came out.
On being emotionally drained post-match…
It was a long and tough game. We tried really over 90 minutes to create chances and we were pushing forward the whole team, defending from the first second and then it was a happy end for us.
Van Dijk
On trying to push on before the Ajax leveller…
We tried and they scored with their first chance, I think. But coming back from the horror show in Naples it was very important for us to show a positive reaction. It’s not easy to turn it around, but it is a step in the right direction.
During the game there were great moments and something to work on. It was very important to win today and get that good feeling going into the international break.
On the chances he had himself to get on the scoresheet…
I should have scored. We felt like we were dangerous in every set-piece, especially corners, and it was our responsibility to convert one – luckily the one and only Joel Matip did.